The Lincolnshire county councillor in charge of the economy says there is “light at the end of the tunnel” for local businesses fighting the effects of the coronavirus lockdown, but that there will be rough times ahead first.
Lincolnshire County Council’s economy portfolio holder Colin Davie said he was “not surprised” by the latest tier announcements which saw the region remain under the roughest restrictions of tier 3.
He pointed to the pressures on the NHS and said: “The government is acting in a precautionary way in terms of managing the health system for our population. But that decision has major impacts on the economy.
“It is quite clear to me that the Christmas period, which is an important period for the hospitality and leisure sector, is going to be even further impacted.
“The challenges I’ve always said from when the COVID-19 emergency began would always revolve around the retail, hospitality and leisure sector, and getting them back to a position where they can see a future that is positive.
“That is going to be critical in the next three months, otherwise the fabric of our towns and our high streets will be forever changed.”
Councillor Davie said it would not be possible to save every business but that both local and national government needed to try and support as many as possible to give them the “best chance to survive”.
“I’m already assuming that January and February are going to be difficult months. I think most businesses, certainly around the tourism, hospitality and leisure sector see that period, from March onwards from Easter onwards as critical to them.
“We need to prepare the ground we need to make sure that we basically get the virus in Lincolnshire under control so that we can reopen everything whilst the vaccination programme is underway to protect the vulnerable on the elderly.
“Then when we get to Easter we can reopen firing on all cylinders.”
Hundreds of millions of pounds have already been paid into business support since March including furlough payments, business grants and leader funding.
| Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
“It is really important that businesses see the light at the end of the tunnel that I can see,” said Cllr Davie.
“I can see a massive influx of tourism numbers next year.
“I really believe that once people believe it’s that it’s safe to return to visiting coast and their relatives and visiting our beautiful cities and countryside, that they’re going to turn up in huge numbers, bigger, bigger numbers than I have ever seen before.
“Some of the raw data that I have seen indicates that that is going to happen.”
Councillor Davie acknowledged that high streets were already changing prior to COVID and that the virus had increased the speed of that.
He predicted that chains who had multiple outlets would suffer the most from the impact, with local businesses coming out on top in the end.
Meanwhile, technology would continue to play a huge part going forward.
However, he said the county was resilient and that there were “very creative entrepreneurial people who have not just sat back and taken the hit from COVID.”
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We are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage after a collision caused serious injuries to a 23-year-old man.
Just before 3.30pm yesterday (2 July), we received reports of a collision on Barholm Road in Tallington. It involved a grey BMW 335D estate, a blue BMW 116D and an orange KTM motorcycle.
The motorcycle rider, a 23-year-old man, sustained serious injuries during the collision and was taken to hospital.
If you witnessed the incident and are yet to get in touch with us, please do so. If you have any other information or dashcam footage available that may have captured the road along the A1175 at the time of the collision, get in touch.
By calling 101 quoting incident 282 of 2 July.
By emailing [email protected] quoting incident 282 of 2 July in the subject line.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can report via the independent charity CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.
The 2022 Destination Lincolnshire Tourism Excellence Awards are open for applications, and Destination Lincolnshire giving you the rare chance to co-create your application with Nell Barrington, a tourism awards veteran, who has helped hundreds of businesses write winning applications over the last 15 years – including national VisitEngland winners.
The Tourism Awards Masterclass is taking place on Tuesday 12 July at 11am for one-hour online. Laura Freer, Head of Marketing at Destination Lincolnshire said: “This is a golden opportunity, after years of hard work and heartache, to get your business and team recognised and rewarded.
“A well written application is key to achieving a coveted place on this year’s shortlist, and I’d encourage all tourism and visitor economy businesses who are thinking of entering – whether they are seasoned at writing award applications or not – to join us for this exclusive masterclass.
“Nell Barrington has worked with us and VisitEngland on the founding application processes of these awards, and she is perfectly placed to assist in co-creating applications that you can be proud of. This is a great opportunity for business development too – whether you are shortlisted for an award or not – discovering how to effectively apply for awards and talk up your business adds another string to your bow.
“Booking is essential and places are limited to just 35 – so be quick! This year we’ve made our masterclass available to partners and also to those who we are yet to work with for free. Call it an added bonus, after two years away from the awards circuit.
The awards masterclass is focussed on the application process, and it will spell out what the judges are looking for. You’ll learn how to make your application stand out from the local competition, helping your chances of going through to the national VisitEngland Awards in 2023.”
There are fifteen categories open for nominations from visitors attraction, accommodation providers, hospitality businesses and many more.
The deadline for nominations is July 29, with online judging starting on July 30 and mystery shopping from August 13. Finalists will be announced on Monday, August 15.
The awards ceremony will be held at the Engine Shed on October 21, and will be hosted by Lincs FM presenter, John Marshall.
The event is organised by Stonebow Media, publishers of The Lincolnite, to celebrate the best businesses in Greater Lincolnshire, alongside headline sponsors Lincoln College and Destination Lincolnshire.
We would also like to thank our other sponsors Visit Lincolnshire, Heart of Lincs, Duncan and Toplis and LNER, insight6 and EV Camel.